A temple in Setagaya, Tokyo, holds a joint memorial service for pets every month. About 30 people came on Feb. 8. Owners often attend on the 49th day and the first anniversary.
The Japan News（讀賣新聞）／Asia News NetworkHow can we mark the anniversary?
What people do around the world
Release balloons or scatter ashes
Listed by the AVMA
American Veterinary Medical Association（Boulder Humane Society 網站轉載）「For the pets' Day of the Dead, I made an altar for my two dogs with carrots, apples, water, and toys.」
Oct 2026Original post・Substack
Join a temple's monthly joint service
A temple in Setagaya, Tokyo
The Japan News（讀賣新聞）／Asia News Network「She's been gone a few years. For her 17th birthday, after many tries, I baked her favorite apple cake.」
Oct 2026Original post・Ameba
Attend a service on the 49th day or first anniversary
many owners do this
The Japan News（讀賣新聞）／Asia News Network「My dog died months ago. On her birthday, I went alone to our favorite riverside campsite. It still hurts.」
Hold a Buddhist first-anniversary rite at a temple
some firms work with temples on this
Deseret News（讀賣新聞稿）「The one-year memorial service is done, and the remains rest with our two other late pets, whom I'll visit next month.」
Oct 2026Original post・note
Set up an altar for pets on October 27
Day of the Dead for pets
美聯社 AP（KUTV 轉載）「A year after my black Shiba died, I offered cookies instead of dog food at the grave in the yard's corner.」
Oct 2026Original post・FC2
Put a photo, ashes and candles on the altar
at home
美聯社 AP（KUTV 轉載）「My Shiba died at 11, and on what would have been the 13th birthday, I posted old photos.」
Oct 2026Original post・FC2
「She's been gone over three years. On this pet memorial day, I remember my soul dog.」
Oct 2026
「On this pet memorial day I remember every dog I've had. I miss them every day.」
Oct 2026
「Today my German Shepherd would have turned 8, so I'm remembering them.」
Oct 2026
Updated 29 Oct 2026.